TikTok Restores Access for U.S. Users After Brief Shutdown

WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA, USA — Jan 20, 2025

For months, TikTok’s future in the United States has been uncertain. In our previous blog, we covered the national security law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban.

That law officially took effect on January 19, 2025, causing TikTok to shut down in the U.S. for over 14 hours. But in a dramatic turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump announced an executive order to reinstate TikTok, leading to the app’s return.

What Happened: TikTok’s Shutdown and Quick Return

According to a Wall Street Journal article, TikTok officially shut down in the U.S. on January 19 after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell the app or stop operating in the country.

TikTok was also removed from Apple and Google app stores, preventing new downloads.

Then, Trump announced he would issue an executive order to reinstate TikTok, saying he wanted the U.S. to have a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture to keep the app running. Shortly after this announcement, TikTok restored access for its 170 million U.S. users and displayed a welcome-back message crediting Trump’s efforts.

TikTok Responds to Trump’s Intervention

TikTok’s official policy team confirmed that the company had worked with service providers to restore access.

STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:

In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170…

— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025

What This Means for TikTok’s Future

While TikTok is currently back online, its long-term future remains uncertain. Several key challenges still need to be addressed:

1. Can Trump’s Executive Order Fully Reinstate TikTok?

The law requiring TikTok to divest is still in effect.
A president can’t override federal law with an executive order, but Trump can delay its enforcement.
If Congress or the courts challenge his decision, TikTok could face another shutdown.

2. Will TikTok’s Ownership Structure Change?

Trump has proposed a 50% U.S. ownership stake in TikTok.
However, ByteDance has repeatedly refused to sell its U.S. operations, and the Chinese government has opposed forced divestment.
Any restructuring deal would require approval from Beijing, making this a complex issue.

3. Are Companies That Work With TikTok at Risk?

Some lawmakers argue that companies hosting or distributing TikTok could face legal consequences if the law remains in place.
This could impact Oracle, Apple, and Google, which provide hosting and distribution services for the app.

What Creators and Marketers Should Do Now

With TikTok’s future still uncertain, businesses and creators should stay flexible and prepare for potential disruptions.

1. Continue Leveraging TikTok While It’s Online

TikTok is back, so brands and creators should keep engaging their audience while monitoring developments.

2. Diversify Your Social Media Strategy

Build a presence on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other platforms to ensure continuity if TikTok faces another shutdown.

3. Encourage Followers to Connect on Multiple Platforms

Use TikTok to direct your audience to email lists, websites, and other social channels to maintain engagement.

4. Stay Updated on Legal and Political Developments

The next few months will be crucial for TikTok’s future in the U.S., so creators should stay informed and be ready to adapt.

Final Thoughts

While Trump’s intervention has brought TikTok back online for now, this story is far from over. The Supreme Court has upheld the law requiring divestment, meaning further legal battles or negotiations are likely.

TikTok has indicated that it will work with the Trump administration on a long-term solution, but whether ByteDance will agree to a new ownership structure remains to be seen.

At Your Brand Voice, we’re closely tracking these developments and helping businesses navigate the shifting digital marketing landscape.